Nine year old Kati lives with her Grandma and Grandpa in a house on the water. Quite unexpectedly Grandma asked Kati one day if she would like to see Nine year old Kati lives with her Grandma and Grandpa in a house on the water. Quite unexpectedly Grandma asked Kati one day if she would like to see her Mother. They travel to a house on the sea where her Mother is sick, dying from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) or Lou Gehrig's disease. As her mother gets sicker Kati learns about her mother, about why she left her when she was young. Kati finds strength in her mother's life and her family as she copes with the loss of the person she loves most in the world.
This is a moving story originally published in Thai and set in Thailand. It deals with the real emotions of losing a parent to a disease and the grace which which Kati deal with the loss it haunting. This would be a wonderful book for any child who has lost a parent....more
Author Louis Sachar reads the first three volumes of his infamous Wayside School series, Sideways Stories from Wayside School, Wayside School is FalliAuthor Louis Sachar reads the first three volumes of his infamous Wayside School series, Sideways Stories from Wayside School, Wayside School is Falling Down and Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger. Scahar's hilarious classroom antics have been favorites since they were published in the 1970's. Each story focus on the slightly strange nuances of the class on the 30th floor of Wayside School.
While the Wayside School stories may be hilarious and engaging in nature Sachar sucks all of the fun out if these stories when he reads them. It sounds like he should be narrating a National Geographic TV special. Sachar's voice is completely void of the childhood playfulness and glee that the stories lend themselves too, in fact they he is completely void of a change in inflection! These audio version is completely boring....more
Its 1920 and Edward Macleod is living in Portland, Oregon. Since the death of his mother he has been sent to a trade boarding school, is bullied by a Its 1920 and Edward Macleod is living in Portland, Oregon. Since the death of his mother he has been sent to a trade boarding school, is bullied by a kid named Grudge, he has unusually cruel teachers and the mysterious itch on his back continues to get worse. He finds that all of these things fit together and is shocked to discover his true identity as a non-human creature, a Guardian. His itch sprouts wings and he is saved from school by Mr. Spines only to be chased by evil Groundlings under the orders of The Jackal. Edward discovers that his mother is being held captive in another world and he vows to stop at nothing to save her
Wings reads much like Harry Potter meets Lord of the Rings. An evil lord of the underworld named the Jackal is trying to destroy all good and a single boy is fated to save what is good and right. The parade of characters introduced through the story: the frog with faulty wings, the fallen Guardian slowly morphing in to a ferret, the evil Groundlings masquerading as lawyers and doctors and regular folk, leave little room for character development even requiring a glossary of terms and list of characters in the book's appendix for the reader to keep everything straight. The end came all to quickly and left me hanging for the next volume....more
Part graphic novel, film and chapter book this amazing book comes to life off the page. After a tragic fire takes his father's life Hugo Cabret goes tPart graphic novel, film and chapter book this amazing book comes to life off the page. After a tragic fire takes his father's life Hugo Cabret goes to live with his Uncle and be an Apprentice Timekeeper in the train station. Shortly after his Uncle disappears, Hugo is caught stealing mechanical toys from the toy shop. The shopkeeper, Georges Melies, takes his notebook but seems unusually interested in it. As Hugo and Georges' god-daughter, Isabelle, become friends they discover who who Georges really is.
Brian Selznick charts new territory with this spectacular book. With 284 original drawings Selznick brings this story about french film artist Georges Milies to life. The pencil drawings give the feeling of watching a movie. I have never enjoyed a book so much! Truly phenomenal!!...more
Hamlet loves to cook and garden. His Uncle is getting old and can no longer take care of the restaurant he has in Molefurrow Market, so he leaves it tHamlet loves to cook and garden. His Uncle is getting old and can no longer take care of the restaurant he has in Molefurrow Market, so he leaves it to Hamlet. Hamlet decides to open his own restaurant and cooking school named "Hamlet's Pantry". With the help of his friends and family Hamlet opens the most successful restaurant in all of Sniggery Woods. When the King takes notice and asks Hamlet to cater his birthday party a happy accident leaves Hamlet dreaming of pink wedding cakes!
This is a darling chapter book for young readers. It's one step up from an easy reader but sporadic pictures makes it a good book for a struggling reader who isn't quite ready for a full-blown chapter book. The story line is charming and friendly. ...more
This graphic novel adaptation of Brian Jacques classic Redwall offers a quick overview of the story line. Set in Mossflower county in Redwall Abby, yoThis graphic novel adaptation of Brian Jacques classic Redwall offers a quick overview of the story line. Set in Mossflower county in Redwall Abby, young Matthais dreams of being a great mouse warrior like Martin. When Cluny the Scourge attacks the Abby, Matthais must find Martin's sward and defend his home. With the help of his forest friends Matthais defeats Cluny and his amy becoming the warrior mouse of Redwall and champion of the order.
When compared to the classic Redwall, the graphic novel leaves something to be desired. The flashy graphic illustrations pale in comparison to Jacques masterful language which creates images from words. Most of the story is left out and only highlighted by the major battles. I would only recommend Redwall: The Graphic Novel to a struggling reader to interest them in reading the full length story, helping them bridge the gap between graphic novel and chapter book....more
Peter Sis's autobiographical book about growing up Czechoslovakia under communist Soviet rule takes the term "picture book" to a whole new level. ThisPeter Sis's autobiographical book about growing up Czechoslovakia under communist Soviet rule takes the term "picture book" to a whole new level. This stunning book, part classic picture book part graphic novel tells the painful story of coming of age under intense control and supervision. Unable to draw the pictures he wants or listen to the kind of music he wants Peter weaves his personal experiences with historical facts to share an strikingly painful story of life in the shadow of the Berlin Wall.
This book gave me goosebumps. It is an amazing autobiographical story to which Sis's unique artwork brings the story to life. His specific use of color and facial character choices make the book even more striking. With this said, even though it is technically a picture book I would not recommend it to any one younger then high school due to the emotional weight of the topic. I feel I have a better understanding of communism, the Soviet empire and the events of the Cold War after reading this book....more
The adventure packed book leads kids along Lewis and Clarks trek west. With maps, illustrations, thought provoking questions, hands on activities, jouThe adventure packed book leads kids along Lewis and Clarks trek west. With maps, illustrations, thought provoking questions, hands on activities, journal excerpts and great historical detail kids will be swept away with the Coups of Discovery as they traverse the United States.
This in depth book offers a unique way to experience the history of Lewis and Clark. While the book may be slightly over the heads of the intended age rage (8-14) the book can be wonderfully utilized with the assistance of an adult, particularly as a classroom or homeschool curriculum. The illustrations switch between historically accurate depiction and cartoon characters that kids will find funny. Overall I think it is a good historical resource for parents, teachers and older students. ...more
This pictorial biography of Wilma Rudolph, winner of three olympic gold medals, shows Wilma's inspirational struggle to overcome infantile paralysis dThis pictorial biography of Wilma Rudolph, winner of three olympic gold medals, shows Wilma's inspirational struggle to overcome infantile paralysis due to Polio which ultimately lead her to the Olympics in 1960 where she became the first woman to win three gold medals in track and field in a single Olympics.
The beautiful illustrations by David Diaz add so much emotion to the story and bring it to life on the page. This inspirational book shows that we have the ability to overcome almost anything if we concentrate and focus....more
This in depth history of the United State's first subway train a casts light on the often over looked Boston subway system, after which much of the NeThis in depth history of the United State's first subway train a casts light on the often over looked Boston subway system, after which much of the New York subway as fashioned after. Heavy with sepia illustrations (many patterned after historic photographs), detailed descriptions and antidotal side notes McKendry's historical text gives students and history buffs a unique look into the development of a transportation system at the turn of the 20th century.
This book is chockfull of historical information which is laid out in a clear and interesting way. The detailed illustrations use a "Way Things Work" approach to show readers just how everything was built and worked. I find it to be an engaging book with a great amount of information....more
This truly dizzying book adds up to be a story of mathematical genius! Mrs. Fibonacci's sequence of events leaves her students spinning as they begin This truly dizzying book adds up to be a story of mathematical genius! Mrs. Fibonacci's sequence of events leaves her students spinning as they begin to see everything as a math problem!
Math Curse is amazing book that brings math from the sometimes abstract world into everyday real life for students. As the students see everything from breakfast cereal to english class as a mathematical problem they being to think like mathematicians which in the end cures them of their math curse. The mixed media illustrations add to the slightly terror-full feel of the book, which many of us with math anxiety can personally relate to. I think this book is a great addition to any math classroom particularly for struggling young mathematicians. ...more
Brushing Mom's Hair, a book of prose, is written from Ann's emotional point of view as she watches her mom battle breast cancer. The only times when ABrushing Mom's Hair, a book of prose, is written from Ann's emotional point of view as she watches her mom battle breast cancer. The only times when Ann can forget that her mom is sick is when she is writing or dancing. Each poem is raw with emotion, honesty and reality. It's midnight but I can't sleep so I turn on the light and open my new book to the middle. "Don't sweat the small stuff and its all small stuff." Even Cancer?
This book is beautifully written with an honesty rarely seen in children's or young adult books. I would particularly recommend this book to anyone who has a parent fighting cancer because they will be able to relate in a very personal way. Andrea Cheng wrote this book as a biography from her daughter's point of view as she herself was battling breast cancer. ...more
Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa is a colorful and darling early reader chapter book series. Cowgirl Kate and her best bud Cocoa the horse go on adventurers aroCowgirl Kate and Cocoa is a colorful and darling early reader chapter book series. Cowgirl Kate and her best bud Cocoa the horse go on adventurers around their farm together in Horse in the House Cocoa sneaks in Kate's house while her parents are away. Cocoa is shocked at the strange stalls Kate and her parents live in. They are so small and there aren't any oats. He is rather taken with the refrigerator though! Kate finally gets Cocoa out of the house just in time before her parents get back and reminds Cocoa how great his barn, how the sunlight streams in between the crack in the wall and the comforting smell of saddle leather. Kate's favorite thing about the barn though is Cocoa and Cocoa agree that his favorite part of the house is Kate, well and the refrigerator.
I thought this book was great, it has a interesting story and each book in the series is different. You don't feel like you are reading the same book over and over again. The watercolor illustrations are friendly and wonderful. I think this early reader series is a great one and will quickly become a favorite of any little cowgirl!...more
Ben & Becky in the Haunted House is part of the We Both Read series of books where the parent reads the left page and the child reads the right. This Ben & Becky in the Haunted House is part of the We Both Read series of books where the parent reads the left page and the child reads the right. This participation encourages children to read while introducing them to new words. Ben and his Grandpa believe in ghosts and together with Becky, Ben's sister, they go on an adventure to the haunted house down he road from Grandma and Grandpa's house. They spend the night camped out in the creaky old house waiting for ghosts and when Becky and Ben hear moaning coming from upstairs they are afraid they may have gotten more then they bargained for. As they head upstairs to find Grandpa, who has also mysteriously disappeared, they encounter several ghostly figures. In the end Grandpa tells Becky and Ben that his was in cahoots with Grandma and Mr. Jones to try and scare them, but was he?
I like the "shared reading" aspect of this book, I think its a great way to be an active participant in a child's reading and to introduce them to new words. However, I found the story to be boring and the illustrations left something to be desired. The story also seemed a little advanced for a new reader and while it is always a good idea to read with a child I think a child that could read a this level could be reading more interesting books. Perhaps other books in the We Both Read> series are more engaging. ...more
The Amelia Bedelia easy readers are classics in the "I Can Read" genre. Amelia Bedelia's antics are funny and captivating to young readers as she helpThe Amelia Bedelia easy readers are classics in the "I Can Read" genre. Amelia Bedelia's antics are funny and captivating to young readers as she helps them learn that the same word can have many meanings. In this volume Amelia is helping Mrs. Rogers to trow Miss. Alma a wedding shower. Cousin Alcolu comes over to help prune the hedge while Amelia scales and ices the fresh fish. When Amelia and Alcolu shower Miss. Alma with the garden hose tempers flair until Amelia brings out tea and chocolate icing covered fish. Everyone laughs as they realize the mix up. In the end everyone has a great time and Mrs. Ralph's children love the prunes on the hedge!
This and the other Amelia Bedelia books use humor to reenforce that the same word can have multiple meanings. Readers laugh along as the colorful pictures show Amelia trying very hard but getting mixed up all along the way. Peggy Parish's writing style allows kids to follow and learn new words as they read. Over the years these classic early readers have earned their keep....more
Houndsley and Catina is an early reader chapter book. The story is broken down into three chapters with colorful pictures and simple text that introduHoundsley and Catina is an early reader chapter book. The story is broken down into three chapters with colorful pictures and simple text that introduces new readers to chapter books. Houndsley and Catina are best friends, Catina is writing a books but it isn't very good because she doesn't really like to write. Houndsley is a wonderful cook but when he enters a cooking contest he gets nervous and doesn't have any fun. The friend realize they should do something because they enjoy and love it not because it will make them famous.
I really like the message and story in this book. It feels like the book is actually saying something unlike many other early readers which just feel like words on a page. The watercolor illustrations are wonderfully cozy and while they are minimal they add just enough to the story to make it engaging. I love the attitude the illustrations add to Catina and Houndsley, they are so interesting! The Houndsley and Catina series of books with their engaging stories and positive message are a great bridge for early readers between picture books and juvenile chapter books....more
This 2006 Caldecot Honor book is pure beauty, from the water color illustrations to the wise stories. Karl, Abby and Michael meet Stillwater on a rainThis 2006 Caldecot Honor book is pure beauty, from the water color illustrations to the wise stories. Karl, Abby and Michael meet Stillwater on a rainy day in their backyard. The next day Abby went to visit Stillwater. They share some cake while Stillwater tells Abby a story about gift giving. Michael visits Stillwater the next day and as they sit high up in a tree Stillwater tells Michael luck. Karl visits next and brings with him a whole pool full of swimming toys even though Michael told him not to. As they swim the afternoon away Stillwater tells Karl a story about being mad and letting go. Each child ears a special story from Stillwater that has specific meaning for them and each of the stories will have special meaning to anyone who reads this wonderful book
Zen Shorts is the epitome of beautiful illustrations and a moving story marring to make a truly special picture book. While children will be able to connect to this book it is by no means exclusively a children's picture book. Stillwater has a story with a special message for each of us if only we will listen....more
Jitterbug Jam was one of the New York Times ten best illustrated children's books of 2005 and for good reason! Bobo can't sleep, his brother calls himJitterbug Jam was one of the New York Times ten best illustrated children's books of 2005 and for good reason! Bobo can't sleep, his brother calls him a fraidy-cat but there is a boy with pink skin and orange fur on his head under his bed. Bobo's Boo-Dad, the biggest, baddest monster grandpa ever, tells him a story about when he was a boy and what he learned to do when you see a boy. That day Bobo tries Boo-Dad's trick but Bobo realizes that he and the boy are more alike then he thought. Bobo doesn't have to be afraid of him anymore. The next day Bobo shares a slice of bread with jitterbug jam with the boy and waits to see what happens.
I thought this monster story with a twist was great fun. It would be perfect for any little monster who is afraid of what is hiding under their bed. The colorful illustrations are engaging and the almost comic book layout of the book keep the story fast paced. At times the wording makes it hard to read aloud but with a little preparation time it could be great fun for story-time....more
The Pencil is a purely delightful book! It begins with a lonely pencil who starts to draw first a boy then a dog and a cat. When their world needs colThe Pencil is a purely delightful book! It begins with a lonely pencil who starts to draw first a boy then a dog and a cat. When their world needs color he draws a paintbrush to color everything in. Soon the boy has a mother named Mr., a father named Mrs. and a sister named Elsie. Everyone is happy except Mr. doesn't like her hat and Mrs. ears are too big, so the pencil draws an eraser. The eraser gets carried away and erases everything and just before the eraser erases away the pencil the pencil draws another eraser and they erase each other away. The pencil starts over and draws the boy, the dog, the cat, the paintbrush, Mr and Mrs. and everything again.
The Pencil is on the short list for the Ronald Dahl funny prize and in my opinion it should win! Its so charming you can't help but smile when you read it. This would be a great story time book and could easily lead into some drawing activities with preschoolers. This book just makes me happy!!...more
Forty one traditional Mother Goose rhymes are given a new spin with Nina Crews' photographs in The Neighborhood Mother Goose. The photographs taken inForty one traditional Mother Goose rhymes are given a new spin with Nina Crews' photographs in The Neighborhood Mother Goose. The photographs taken in Crews' hometown of Brooklyn, NY show Jack jumping over a candlestick with happens to be on a cupcake and a little girl with a curl right in the middle of her forehead cutting the hair off her barbie doll. Each photo is engaging with lots going on, Crews also utilized photoshop to add some surprising elements to the pictures. The book is great fun and will introduce a whole new generation to Mother Goose rhymes.
I think this is a great book because it depicts the diversity of Brooklyn through the photographs of kids. I think it will also engage children and parents who might not normally reach for Mother Goose rhymes. Kids will love the photographs and parents will enjoy the new twist on the verses they grew up with....more
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